Thieves of Joy

From the Ellis Deck Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Brownies Oracle, Reaping:

Watch out for the joy-stealers: gossip, criticism, complaining, faultfinding, and a negative, judgmental attitude. —Joyce Meyer

Words can steal the joy and peace of mind of others. Unhappy humans often act like autocorrect automatons, marching around judging and finding fault with anything that even hints at cheerfulness. If we're on the receiving end, we need to be careful - their words are like sticky, hot tar that can easily trap us unless we ignore them. However, we can flip the script they're trying to sell us: we spread light instead of having it sucked out of us. Reaping is a reminder to be prudent with our words; those who sow briers will eventually wind up in a bed of thorns. As Jim Rohn stated, "If you don't like what you are reaping, you better change what you have been sowing."

Full of Stars

From the Ellis Tarot, the Eight of Swords; from the Brownies Oracle, Plenty:

If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.

—Albert Einstein

Ellis describes this card as refusing to make new choices. Trying on new ideas and perspectives may seem as icky as walking through a wall of spider webs. But in a constantly changing world, we can't continue to stick with what is obsolete, we must learn to be innovative. Our initial reaction to trying on new approaches may feel ridiculous, but according to Einstein, that just means we're on the right path (stepping out of our old thinking). In Plenty, the Brownies remind us of Maya Angelou's statement: "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." Once we stop looking at the sky through a drinking straw, we realize just how many stars there are.

It's a Team Effort

From the Ellis Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Brownies Oracle, Connection:

Once we truly know that life is difficult - once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.

—M. Scott Peck

This King of Pentacles likes his comforts, but he knows what it is like to do without them. He didn't get to his position through a royal bloodline, but through a hardscrabble life. He enjoys the good life, but he doesn't expect it or even feel entitled to it. He understands the nature of earthly existence. Yet there is one thing he has depended on - the support of others. Connection is a reminder that sometimes we need to be the bolster and other times we are the bolstered. It depends on recognizing the value of others, no matter which role we play, and maintaining our gratitude for them.

Buried in a Coffee Can

From the Ellis Tarot, the Four of Pentacles; from the Brownies Oracle, Manifestation:

That which is used - develops. That which is not used wastes away.

—Hippocrates

In our current economic situation, hoarding our money might seem wise. Yet just as regular physical exercise builds strength and stamina, we must use our money wisely for it and to grow and be sustained. When money is intentionally removed from productive circulation, we risk losing purchasing power due to inflation, and we lose out on interest and potential returns. Manifestation might seem like all we have to do to attract wealth and become financially stable is to say some daily affirmations. If only it were so simple... It is what we do - through effort, knowledge and discernment - that affects what we create and have. While money gives us options, it's helpful to remember the words of George Lorimer as well: "check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy."

Tactile and Tactful

This week the tarot I'll be using is the Ellis Deck, created and self-published by Taylor Ellis. Paired with it will be the Brownies Oracle, created and self-published by Doug Thornsjo. Today's draws are the Page of Pentacles and Discretion:

What the hand does the mind remembers.

—Maria Montessori

The Page of Pentacles is a tactile learner, filled with curiosity. She relishes getting her hands dirty and getting sweaty if it means she can learn how things are put together, how they work and how to use them. Her diligence and focus reflect the traits of her formidable animal companion. However, she cautions that up leveling our skills will demand our patience and effort. Discretion, the quality of behaving with prudence and tact, is encouraged by the Brownies (in this case, they don't want to get eaten). If we are asking for someone to teach us, we need to listen and watch rather than trying to impress them with what we already know. As the Zen story goes, no one's teacup can be filled if there's no room left in it.

From the Prairie Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Medicine Cards, Moose:

Someone can decide it’s in their best interests to agree to something, but a choice is only really a choice if there’s a genuine alternative. Otherwise, it’s manipulation and it’s taking advantage.

―Jane Harper

As this deck is about the American West, I can't help but see this Three of Swords through this lens. First, in the way Native peoples were forced off their lands by U.S. government expansion, broken treaties, and forced relocations during the 19th and 20th centuries. Secondly, it made me think of the millions of American bison that were slaughtered due to government-sanctioned military strategy, and recreational sport. Moose are associated self-respect, which does not come from power but from connection, wise choices, and contributions to others. Its medicine would suggest we follow Pema Khadro's advice: "Deprive others as little as possible through your presence in the world, do not take what is not given and avoid squandering your resources. Cultivate great acts of generosity."

No Piggybacking

From the Prairie Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Medicine Cards, Skunk:

The reality is you probably can't solve what they're facing. Instead of trying to erase that uncertainty, help them tolerate it. —Angela Haupt

The Queen of Cups looks downward into a huge chalice. Intuitive and insightful, she is known for her emotional wisdom. She understands that most people don't want advice, they just want to be able to manage their intense emotions. She helps them see that their feelings are alerting them to something deeper that needs attention, patiently weaving them through the labyrinth to find what's at the center. It is her support and encouragement that helps them the most. Skunk reminds us that while helping others is commendable, we need to also know how to protect ourselves through boundaries rather than aggression. We must know how to separate our own emotional well-being from the need to fix or carry another's pain.

Telling the Difference

From the Prairie Tarot, the Page of Swords; from the Medicine Cards, Alligator:

Discernment is not a matter of telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right. —Charles Spurgeon

This fellow is obviously a more mature Page of Swords. Rumors and gossip (birds, dragonflies, leaves) swirl all around him, yet he keeps his sword tip in the ground. Half-truths and juicy tidbits can be easy to swallow if we aren't willing to track down reliable sources (without an agenda), ask questions, and uncover the facts. Alligators have a slow metabolism, so they digest food over an extended period; because they are cold-blooded, they lie in the sun to help increase their metabolism and digestion. Alligator's message is that we may have missed some important information in our assessment (it hasn't been 'digested' in our awareness). We need to check and see what we might have overlooked or consider if we may be unaware of a bias. It's been said that intelligence and wisdom rarely keep company, but if humility is thrown into the mix, we can consider that we might be wrong and recheck our judgment.

Worth the Effort?

From the Prairie Tarot, the Seven of Pentacles; from the Medicine Cards, Dog:

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. —Robert Collier

Short-term success isn't especially onerous - we make a big effort for a brief time to get what we want. But long-term success requires much more preparation and planning along with a consistent daily effort that continues over a longer period. Even then, conditions must be ripe for things to come to fruition. Dog represents loyalty - a lasting bond unbroken by betrayal or abandonment. Anything of worth, whether a partnership or financial endeavor, requires persistent effort and dedication of purpose. Yet Dog also warns that approval seeking is not a worthy motive for our exertion; even if we accomplish what we want, there will always be another hurdle to jump to stay in the other's good graces. As Mandy Hale wrote, "When you stand confident in your own worth, respect follows."

Not My Wishes

From the Prairie Tarot, Temperance; from the Medicine Cards, Prairie Dog:

If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation. 

—Epictetus

This apothecary knows that only the right balances of tinctures make the medicine. Too much or too little might do more harm than good. I have a friend who is making some horrible life choices. I have gone through a range of emotions, from wanting to rage, wanting to fix or simply ignoring her (aversion, attachment, ignorance - the Three Poisons in Buddhism). Prairie Dog signals that it is time for rest and an internal quest. Self-awareness helps me understand what I can and can't control. Restraint allows me to recognize any reaction would be wasted energy and completely useless. The words of Jack Kornfield keep coming back to me: "The happiness and suffering of others depend on their actions and not my wishes for them."

Claws Out

From the Prairie Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Medicine Cards, the Badger:

Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty. — Henri Frédéric Amiel

A sword points upward toward a thunderhead, an anvil-shaped cloud that signifies a severe thunderstorm. Sometimes inspiration and creative concepts come quickly like a lightning strike. At other times, they build more slowly like a thunderhead. In the latter case, a collection of thoughts might amass, producing insights that bring great change. Badgers are known for their tenacity and fierce protection of personal boundaries. Ideas that produce change are often met with pushback from those who prefer the current state of things. Yet if such shifts will be beneficial for our well-being and won't cause injury to others, we need to dig in with determination.

Catching Flies

This week I'll be using the Prairie Tarot, created and self-published by Robin Ator. Paired with it will be the Medicine Cards, a deck and book set published by St. Martin's Press and created by David Carson and Jamie Sams. Today's draws are the Tower and Spider:

Better ride an ass that carries me, than a horse that throws me.

—English Proverb

The Tower is built on illusions, a framework of deceptions we tell ourselves (or that others tell us) that creates an impression of power, security and well-being. But as Thomas Carlyle wrote, "No lie can live forever." Hitting the ground of reality will knock the breath out of us, but hopefully it will also slam some common sense into us as well. Spider's two body segments resemble the shape of an eight - a symbol of infinity. She reminds us that we have endless creative opportunities, but we need to stay rooted in reality rather than living in a fantasy world. An illusory web catches no flies.

Busy Bee

From the PetraK Tarot, the Empress; from the Astrodice, Mercury in Pisces, Fourth House:

The wise man doesn't give the right answers, he poses the right questions.

—Claude Levi-Strauss

The Empress represents unconditional love, mercy, passion and creativity. But above all, she is the power of change and renewal, a force that nourishes but also modifies. She's only a hologram on her throne; she's constantly busy designing what she thinks those around her need. Mercury in Pisces has an intuitive, empathetic communication style; people on the receiving end feel they are listened to and understood. It's not just the ears but the heart that hears and offers them home-like comfort. This roll emphasizes the need to ask questions and listen in order to understand what people need instead of assuming we already know. This method is kinder and much more useful.

Living Musically

From the PetraK Tarot, Art/Temperance; from the Astrodice, Moon in Gemini, First House:

In the end we shall have had enough of cynicism, skepticism and humbug, and we shall want to live more musically. ―Vincent Van Gogh

Unlike Temperance in RWS based decks, the PetraK Tarot sees this card from a Thoth perspective. There is no walking a fine line between extremes, but a wholesale effort to combine contradictory or opposite elements into one pot. Nothing is ignored; all parts are included to enrich the whole. When researchers measure light as a particle or wave, they find what they are looking for. Yet in a sense, light is both wave and particle, and it is neither. When we stop expecting and assuming, separating what we prefer from what we don't, we discover a much more diverse and astonishing world. The Moon in Gemini within the First House describes a person who is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, while continually tuned in and soaking up those of others. All the while, nothing is hidden. There are no deceptive intentions or agendas. Receptivity and honesty are tools that can help us live "more musically."

Seasonal Activity

From the PetraK Tarot, the Ace of Disks; from the Astrodice, Uranus in Scorpio, 6th House:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

Just as the seasons change, this disk spins. At certain times, we are given the raw materials to create, grow or heal. All that is needed is our willingness and effort before the opportunity passes us by. As Michelangelo stated, "There is no greater harm than that of time wasted." In the Astrodice roll, the revolutionary energy of Uranus melds with Scorpio's intensity, transforming daily work and health routines. Just because something looks new or unusual doesn't mean it won't be useful!

Speaking of seasons, this is the kind of summer we're having here in South Georgia:

That's about 39 C. Add in our humidity, and the heat index bumps up to 113 F/45 C. 

Intentional Choices

From the PetraK Tarot, the Magician; from the Astrodice, Neptune in Pisces, 7th House:

Intentional living is the art of making our own choices before others' choices make us. 

—Richie Norton

This undefinable Magician moves along the narrow path between illusion and reality, imagination and the concrete world. He symbolizes active will and the possibility of making an idea come true. His first step is creating an intention - focusing his mind one a specific goal then mentally organizing the factors needed to carry it out. But the AstroDice roll implies there might be a distraction ahead. Partnerships for Neptune in Pisces tend to be like a sponge, soaking up each other's energy and emotions. As Melody Beattie wrote, "We take things to heart that we have no business taking to heart." It's okay to have our own sense of self and spend time creating what we want and need.

No Ladders

From the PetraK Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Astrodice, Jupiter in Pisces, 4th House:

No matter how bad things are, you can always make things worse.

― Randy Pausch

The Sword suit is double-edged, both a gift and a whammy with its honesty and clarity. Just as we're skipping through life, blissfully unaware of things, a sword gets driven into the ground in front of us. We are forced to wake up to reality, no matter how painful. After several years of disciplined exercise, healthy eating, prescribed supplements and infusions for osteoporosis, my latest tests showed no improvement but a decline. The radiologist said I've got a 50% chance of a hip fracture. I was not prepared for that bit of reality. The Astrodice roll suggests I let compassion and my spiritual path expand my perception instead of panicking. I obviously have some little quirk that is resisting treatment. I am working closely with my doctor, who has ordered some unusual tests (all the usual ones are fine) to see if the cause can be uncovered. She has said there are also injections that might be an option. I have done what I can and will put my fear and disappointment on the shelf as I wait for results and her recommendations. I do not want to squander what is good with worry, but I will not be climbing ladders for a while!

Shared Project

From the PetraK Tarot, the Princess of Discs; from the Astrodice, Venus in Taurus, Eighth House:

Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company. —Rachel Naomi Remen

The Princess of Discs is quiet and reserved but hardworking and trustworthy. Like the light that infuses her body, she is open to new ideas and projects. However, once one is chosen, she maintains her focus and locks onto a target to ground it in practical ways. Venus in Taurus within the 8th house creates a slow moving but deeply intimate relationship filled with the pleasures of sharing what each partner brings to the table. What better endeavor could there be than an exciting project to work on together as long as there is patience in the mix?

Seeking the Gifts

This week I'll be using the PetraK Tarot, created by Petra Reiter-Köck and published by Piatnik. The oracle I'll be using this week is the AstroDice, created by Wessex Astrologer Ltd. It consists of three dice: one for Planets, one for Signs and one for Houses. Today's draw and roll are Death and Neptune in Cancer, 1st House:

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man. ―Heraclitus

I'm currently reading Joan Chittister's Gift of Aging. In her introduction, she states that the book is not about dying because we don't need to get old to die. Change and loss begin soon after we're born as a natural part of impermanence. In Petra's card, the scorpion represents the sting of loss, but the butterfly symbolizes the beauty and understanding that can come too. Yet if we cling to tightly to the sting, we miss the gift. Neptune in Cancer within the 1st House suggests being viewed by others as a person who drifts toward people and places that feel like emotional home. In times of great change and bereavement, that seems like a sane and safe response in order to learn to accept and to heal.

Sleeping with a Mosquito

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Ace of Fire/Wands (Mullein); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Blood Moon:

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.

―Dalai Lama

Mullein seems like an unusual choice for the Ace of Wands/Fire at first glance; its soft flannel-like leaves have been used medicinally to soothe coughs and sore throats. Yet while it starts small, as a low-growing rosette of leaves, in its second year mullein produces a very noticeable flower stalk 5 or more feet tall. Dating back to Roman times, mullein torches were made from the dried flower stalk coated in beeswax or tallow, which allowed a 10 to 15 minute burn time per inch. The companion booklet encourages us to let desire lead courage - that flame can prod us forward to try new things. Blood Moon tells us to step into our power without letting our ego direct it. Ego hampers our progress because it focuses on "Will this make me look stupid?" or "Will this make me look cool?" We don't have to leave common sense behind, but we should let our creative ideas blossom unhindered. 

A Life to Remember

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, Death (Marigold); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Honey Bee:

I shall not die of a cold, my son. I shall die of having lived.

—Willa Cather

Marigolds are used on many Día de los Muertos altars; these flowers are said to guide the souls of the dead to family altars using its bright color and strong scent. Monarch butterflies, traversing thousands of miles during its migration, are also a symbol of this holiday. While other cultures might question this celebration, the words of Jack Lemmon explain it: "Death ends a life, not a relationship." Making death an acquaintance is not a bad idea, as it reminds us of what is precious and important. Plus, we'll all have to make that migrational journey at some point. Honey Bee emphasizes what we should be focusing on while we still can. These insects work together to gather pollen to create food for the hive while also pollenating plants. Purpose and meaning can be found in relationship and through altruistic actions - things that create a life worth living and remembering.  

Sharing Wisdom

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the World; from the Green Wheel Oracle, the Hearth Moon:

There is no delight in owning anything unshared. —Seneca

Rather than a single herb, this World card is paired with Pachamama (Mother Earth) - a living being who nourishes and supports all. As we complete a major phase or undertaking in our lives, the World suggests we share our insights and wisdom with others. We've been blessed with the knowledge and understanding of many sages throughout history: Siddhartha Gautama, Aristotle, Jesus of Nazareth, and Marcus Aurelius, to name just a few. Yet Hearth Moon, a time of preparation, implies we should tie up loose ends, let go of old habits, and clean up our side of the street first. Only by seeing the changes we have made in ourselves will others think we have anything to offer that is worth hearing.

Sacred Solitude

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Hermit (Usnea); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Deer:

It’s said that if we want to learn about our past, we should look at our present circumstances, for they are the result of our past actions. If we want to learn about our future, we should look at what we’re doing now. —Pema Chodron

The Hermit is illustrated with Usnea, a beard lichen that gets water and food straight from the air but dies off in areas with heavy air pollution. When we begin to notice that we are suffering from tainted thoughts and motives, the Hermit invites us into sacred solitude. As Khyentse Norbu explains, we easily become captivated by our "teacups" (outer trappings of culture and society) and forget to drink the "tea" (the essence of spiritual teachings). It's time to take an honest inventory, trace our path to discover how we got to this place, and make some new choices. Deer encourages us to stay alert to distractions and deflections: blame, excuses, and rationalizations. This assessment has nothing to do with guilt or worth but is simply about gaining clarity so we can get back on track.

Useful Hoarding

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Eight of Water/Cups (Valerian); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Wolf:

Sanity is a valuable possession; I hoard it the way people once hoarded money.

—Margaret Atwood

Drama queens, disruptors, contrarians, and relentless competitors - we've all had to deal with at least some of them. But boy can they suck the energy and enthusiasm for life right out of us. Rather than drift passively in these relationships, it's time to retreat from them and the drain they create. Valerian is an herb used for insomnia, anxiety and stress. We all need some calm in our lives, and that may require choices to be made. Wolf asks us to name our fears and bring them into the light. Do we think removing ourselves from the insanity (at least for a while) will bring chaos and cause our house of cards to fall down? It's possible, but that might be a good thing if we're enabling the detrimental behavior of others.

Soothe Yourself

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Ten of Fire/Wands (Comfrey); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Wren:

Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying 'yes' too quickly and not saying 'no' soon enough. —Josh Billings

I've noticed that when you retire from the work force, people often seek you out to join groups or do volunteer work. Such endeavors can be beneficial, as they keep us active and involved with others. But at times they can become a burdensome demand. Comfrey has historically been used in salves and poultices to treat bruises and sprains. Its message is: "There can be too much of a good thing. Stop. Step away. Soothe yourself. Cut it down and it roars back to life." Like this herb, when we cut down our work and take time to rest, we can rejuvenate ourselves. Wren is a tiny bird with a big voice. It reminds us that people don't always accept what we're trying to tell them, but we need to have the confidence to stand up for what we need. Trying to please others rather than taking care of ourselves only leads to resentment, burnout and health issues. As Anna Taylor said, "You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept."